For 10D PA I was measured at AE store, and SA didn't tell anything about huge vamp V.

At home I noticed that it's somewhat tight at small toes, but no pain, and having 0 experiences with dress shoes, I decided to try wider shoes and to down compenstate go shorter 9.5E (my regular size is 10D, and judging what people say for last #5 it totally made sense).

But 9.5E turned out to be the same width at toes like 10D, but just wider at heel and vamp.

It feels like I'm between 10D and 9.5E on last #5. I read quite a few topics on "V" yesterday. It seems like on 9.5E strands, quarters are too close considering leather stretches (that's what people say).

I believe I tried 10.5D, and they were roomier then needed. I also got Delray 10D, and that beast is roomy everywhere (vamp, instep, heel), except much needed toe box width.

Yes, 10D and 9.5E has the same sole width. That's the standard in shoe industry sizing.

You might want to try a few pairs of 9.5E because AE do have a pretty wide variance of manufacturing. 9.5EE will probably be too wide for you at the heel so fix that with heel pads. Or find a better last that fits your feet.

If its somewhat tight at the small toe and you have NO wiggle room, better size up in width. It won't be better and cap toes have less give and harder to fit.

This is quite helpful - I didn't know that (in my case) an 11.5D would be the same sold width as an 11E. I have a pair of Hastings (5 last) which are an 11.5D. They fit well except they are a bit tight by my pinky. I've tried on Strands in an 11.5D which feel just as tight (maybe a hair tighter). So, I purchased a pair of Strands in an 11.5E which fit perfectly width-wide, however, they feel a bit loose everywhere else. I was considering purchasing an 11E next time (bourbon Strands?) but this apparently won't solve the issue. Perhaps my size in the 5 last is indeed an 11.5E. Loving both shoes by the way. I don't think the Hastings are too popular but I love them!